Description

The MERLIN Rectifier Monitor is a small, compact unit housed within the rectifier cabinet. It checks the rectifier performance and communicates (via either an internal or external antenna) using the GSM network. All data is automatically transmitted in a management report to the system HQ where it is accessed online using Abriox’s MERLIN iCPSM software.

MERLIN Rectifier Monitors will carry out the functional checks of rectifier output (voltage and current) required in order to comply with regulatory guidelines. They will quickly repay their capital cost when compared to monthly manual checks.

MERLIN’s will report immediately if an output alarm threshold is exceeded; they will also check that the rectifier remains powered by its external electrical supply. If the power fails, an alarm is transmitted and the MERLIN’s internal batteries take over monitoring for up to 2 years.

A key feature of the Abriox MERLIN system is cellular telephone control. Once installed, monitors are easily and quickly set up using a cellular telephone. Further configuration (e.g. alarm levels) can be programmed and realtime, on-demand readings can be taken of all monitored parameters. In addition, synchronized interruption cycles can be started and stopped directly from a cellular telephone.

iCPSM web software provides access from any internet-enabled PC to a password-protected CP database that is unique to each customer. Users can configure and control MERLIN monitors, view rectifier CP data in graphical and numerical formats or export data for further analysis and archiving.

Benefits

• Economically monitors rectifier performance
• Alarms when protection inadequate or power fails at rectifier
• Data sent in automatically, wirelessly
• Labor freed for data interpretation and follow-up
• Health and Safety risks reduced
• Zero carbon footprint for CP monitoring - no vehicle surveys required.

Features

• Compact size - quick and easy to install, typically 30 minutes on-site
• Hourly rectifier check
• Immediate alarm generation (user preset thresholds on all channels)
• Weekly report with min, max and average of all parameters for the week
• Pipeline locate feature (offered on MERLIN Excel)
• Cellular telephone test & set-up, on-demand readings and control of rectifier output relay
• Synchronization (option) enables close interval surveys to be carried out more quickly, with no rectifier set-up required
• AC powered (110V to 230V) with 2-year battery backup. DC power option for solar stations
• Sealed, weatherproof unit with robust lightning protection and wide operational temperature for all extremes
• Web-based user interface with graphical/tabular displays and data export

GSM (SMS) Communications	Batteyry Backup
Remote control of rectifier output from cellphone or software – including synchronized interruption for CIPS/DCVG surveys with user-settable cycle time.	2 - 3 year operation in the event of a power failure.
User Alerts	Synchronized Interruption
User-settable alarm thresholds for all monitored channels - will pick up rectifier problems such as a low output or a blown fuse.	Remote control of rectifier output from cellphone or software – including user-settable cycle times for CIPS and DCVG surveys..
Electrical Supply Monitoring	Health and Safety
Alarm generated if power supply fails – so that protection can quickly be restored to the pipeline (MERLIN backup batteries last for 2 years).	No risk assessments or lone worker issues at hazardous sites. Protects technicians from exposure to voltages and currents.
On Demand Readings	Custom Reports
Real-time readings can be requested via software and/or from a cellphone in the field.	Data automatically archived and presented in custom report formats or exported to other standard applications.
Environmental	Cost Reduction
Eliminates the impact of emissions from survey vehicles, saves thousands of driving miles per month, zero carbon footprint.	Achieves rapid financial payback on the huge cost of taking frequent manual measurements
GPS Synchronization	Weight
An optional on-board GPS module enables precise time synchronization of all MERLIN monitors on a pipeline. It also provides a link to mapping software for accurate positioning	450g (1lb)
Daily or Weekly Reports	Lightning Protection
Custom reporting periods allow daily or weekly reporting.	The MERLIN Transformer Rectifier Monitor is IP65 rated. Offering protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing and hose-directed water.
IP Rating	Operational Remperatures
The MERLIN Transformer Rectifier Monitor is IP65 rated. Offering protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing and hose-directed water.	-40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F). 100% condensing humidity.

Lightning Protection

Testing performed on the new MERLIN design showed that:

• A “naked” MERLIN easily survives 2500A at 3kV (8/20us pulse) via AC or from the pipeline – a substantial surge.
• With Abriox’s recommended external surge arrestors in place, the MERLIN withstands10kA, 10kV without damage - a massive surge.
•  Even bigger surges (29kA) can be survived by MERLIN - but the external surge arrestors may be blown to pieces!

Technical Specification

The MERLIN Transformer Rectifier Monitor is a compact unit designed to monitor and report the operation of a rectifier. Its key features are:

• Alarms and periodic reports sent to a central HQ using GSM SMS communication
• Fully independent monitoring channels (allow high-side or low-side shunt and accurate ON potential measurement)
• Installation by cellphone
• Remote control of rectifier output from cellphone and/or software.

Physical Dimensions

Enhanced models offer additional CP measurements (ON and OFF potentials) as well as the facility to synchronize remotely with other rectifiers on a pipeline for CIS (Close Interval Surveys) or DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) surveys.

Measurements

MERLIN rectifier monitors have been designed to carry out the functional checks of rectifier output (voltage and current) required in order to comply with regulatory guidelines. They will quickly repay their capital cost when compared to manual monthly checks.

However, MERLIN rectifier monitors ensure continuous protection of the pipeline:

• They will alert the user immediately when a power failure to the rectifier has been detected (and will also report when it has been restored). They have a built-in 2-3 year back-up battery so that they will continue to monitor rectifier output and report normally even during a prolonged power outage.

• High and low alarms can be set on the rectifier output channels. These will detect a rectifier failure independently from the electrical power supply. For example, a lightning strike may cause the rectifier fuse to blow - the power supply will still be present but the rectifier output will rapidly drop away, leaving the pipeline unprotected.

 Enhanced models offer additional CP measurements (ON and OFF potentials) as well as the facility to synchronize remotely with other rectifiers on a pipeline for Close Interval or DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) survey measurements in the field.

Model	Electrical Supply	Rectifier Voltage	Rectifier Current	Rectifier 2nd Current	ON/OFF Potential	Remote Synch	Pipeline Locate
Basic
Premium				or
Super				or
Excel

Pipe-to-soil potential measurements (Premium and higher) at the rectifier require a reference cell and relay. Remote synchronization (Super and Excel) require a MERLIN solid state Interrupter.

Communications

The MERLIN Transformer Rectifier Monitor uses GSM SMS messaging to report data from the field to a central HQ. This method has several advantages:

• Massive investment in infrastructure by GSM network providers
• Excellent coverage in virtually all urban and semi-urban locations
• Expanding coverage worldwide into remote/rural areas
• Proven reliability
• Low cost.

SMS communication enables MERLIN rectifier monitors to be set up in the field, and real-time readings to be obtained, using a cellphone as well as via CPSM3/iCPSM software.

MERLIN rectifier monitors incorporate an internal GSM antenna which, in most locations, will be quite adequate. In weak signal areas, units can be equipped with an external antenna.

The MERLIN system is independent of network provider and Abriox will work with users to secure the most advantageous communication package in their country. We can usually supply our monitors with a GSM airtime package – but we can also factory fit free-issued SIMs or supply monitors for users to fit their own SIMs.